Wisconsin pulled off an upset of #4 Michigan State on January 17, 2016. The Badgers were down by four with 31.5 seconds remaining and possession of the ball. After a timeout by Wisconsin head coach, Greg Gard, the Badgers were able to win the game over the course of the ensuing three possessions. Here is a simple breakdown of how Wisconsin was able to get the victory.
Immediately after the timeout, Wisconsin runs a simple BLOB in hopes of getting a quick basket. Michigan State switches all screens on this play allowing Wisconsin to inbound the ball fairly easily. Initially, Denzel Valentine takes away the shot with a high hand, but then gives a step to take away the drive. Matt Costello defends the post well to discourage Bronson Koenig from making the post feed. As soon as Valentine backs off and puts his hands down, Koenig knocks down the big three to put the Badgers within one point.
Wisconsin is prepared to put immediate pressure on the inbounds. Instead of fouling, the Badgers elect to trap and try to force Michigan State into a turnover. Khalil Iverson does a great job of baiting and keeping the ball into the corner while Ethan Happ does a fantastic job of trapping as soon as the ball handler turns his back. Bronson Koenig and Zak Showalter take away the sideline and reversal passes.
After forcing the turnover, Wisconsin inbounds the ball from the sideline and set up a simple, yet effective pick & roll play. The Badgers maintain great spacing, allowing Bronson Koenig & Ethan Happ to execute with patience and precision. This play would ultimately turn out to be the game winner for the Badgers.